Elect Exiles - Part 10
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Notes
Transcript
Welcome...
Introduction...
Prayer...
Outline
Ch 1:1 - 2:10 (Elect)
Ch 2:11 - 4:19 (Exiles)
Ch 5:1 - 5:14 (Submission)
Outline (2:11-4:19)
Ch 2:11-12 (Pivot)
Ch 2:13-3:7 (Case Studies)
2:13-17 (Human Institutions)
2:18-25 (Servants/Masters)
3:1-7 (Wives/Husbands)
Ch 3:8-17 (Clarification - v. 9)
Ch 3:18-22 (More Clarification - v. 18)
Ch 4:1-11 (Implications)
Ch 4:12-19 (Summary)
Read whole text:
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Implications
Imperatives
Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking...
Be self-controlled and sober-minded...
Keep loving one another earnestly...
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling...
Use gifts to serve one another...
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
Several sections of this text are hard to understand the way they are worded...
Christ’s suffering is our example
Arm, to use this as armor, weapons, defense
Thinking, attitude, mindset
Even as you suffer in this life, you have died to sin, you’re done with it, it’s not part of who you are any more
He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
back to text:
Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
If you’re done with sin, stop living for human passions
Human passions vs. will of God
For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
Your past sin is enough, you don’t need to sin any more, don’t go there
The world is surprised...
They malign you...
Be ready to give an answer to all that ask you about the hope that is in you...
God will judge. We trust God’s justice.
For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
Who are now dead… (no one was or is given a second chance)
Killed the way people are killed, now they live the way God lives...
This reminds me of:
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Or:
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
back to text:
For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
We are now in the “end section” of history. Of God’s plan of redemption.
We give ourselves over to so many other things...
We, at large are not sober-minded
Let your mind be at rest
Let your mind be clear
Let your mind be focused
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
Second time prayers are mentioned...
Not a form of punishment
Our behavior and the choices we make have consequences in how will be able to pray
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
earnestly. deeply. like an athlete under strain.
Love is at the center of the Christian faith
The way we love God
The way we love each other
The way we love the world and even our enemies
Proverbs says something similar:
Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.
Only the cross can reconcile sinful man to God
Love becomes like a filter and give you the ability to see people differently
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
The reality of the context here is Christian suffering.
Share with one another as we begin to lose everything for the sake of the kingdom.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Christians are given spiritual gifts
Spiritual gifts are given to serve the church (one another)
Stewards
They are different
Two categories (Speak/Serve)
Related to Acts 6
There is a weightiness to handling God’s word.
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Everything to the glory of God through Jesus
Moravian Slaves
Two young boys called to minister to the African slaves in the Danish West Indies.
Not allowed.
Sold themselves into slavery.
As the ship pulled away from the docks, they called out to their loved ones on shore, “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering!”
In 2 years they baptized 13,000 converts, other Moravian missionaries came and established churches all through the Danish West Indies.
What is profound about this story is not the degree of sacrifice, but the motivation...
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.